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3 & Out - NFL Futures: Division Winners, Wild Card Picks, NFL MVP + Major Award Predictions
Briefed in the Sports Talk edition of Wednesday, 09 September 2026
What was discussed
Trinidad Chambliss NFL draft prospects6:02
- John Middlekauffopinion
Trinidad Chambliss is the best quarterback in college football and will be a top-five NFL draft pick if he maintains his current level of play. Chambliss's age is a positive because he is a plug-and-play starter who can contribute immediately. Chambliss's play style is a combination of Russell Wilson and Kyler Murray, with elite pocket presence, accuracy, and instinctive mobility.
Tua Tagovailoa starting for Atlanta Falcons11:26
- John Middlekauffopinion
Michael Penix Jr. should start for the Falcons if he is healthy, rather than Tua Tagovailoa.
- John Middlekauffassertion
Tua and Kyler Murray being paid a combined $90 million to start for other teams shows how far the NFL has come financially.
Deshaun Watson named Cleveland Browns captain15:08
- John Middlekauffassertion
Watson being named a captain indicates the coaching staff and locker room still like him, despite fan hatred.
- John Middlekauffopinion
He does not think Kevin Stefanski has a great feel for what actually plays at quarterback.
Robert Kraft contract negotiation tactics16:45
- John Middlekauffassertion
The Bengals are not as cheap as portrayed, having paid Joe Burrow unlimited money and given Dexter Lawrence an extension.
- John Middlekauffopinion
Robert Kraft fights aggressively over contracts despite his wealth, which is unnecessary for elite drafted players.
Tony Romo DUI public response20:01
- John Middlekauffopinion
Tony Romo should have spoken for himself after his DUI instead of letting his legal team issue a statement. Athletes who project a relatable, everyman image should address personal mistakes directly to maintain that image.
AFC division winners predictions26:42
- John Middlekauffopinion
The Bills will win the AFC East because Josh Allen is the best player in the division and possibly the league. The Bengals will win the AFC North despite historically slow starts, and he believes they can win the Super Bowl. The Texans will win the AFC South because their defense will be the best in the league in 2026. The Broncos will win the AFC West because, roster-wise without quarterbacks, they are the best team in the league.
NFC division winners predictions28:53
- John Middlekauffopinion
The Cowboys will win the NFC East because their offense is elite and the new defensive coordinator will improve a unit that was an abomination last year. The Lions will win the NFC North because Drew Petzing's offense will be unbelievable and Dan Campbell has player support. The Saints will win the NFC South with 10+ wins, led by Tyler Shuck and a healthy offensive roster. The Seahawks will win the NFC West over the Rams due to consistency and a late-season head-to-head matchup.
NFC wild card playoff predictions34:31
- John Middlekauffopinion
The Rams will secure the first NFC wild card spot behind the Seahawks. The Bears will make the playoffs because Ben Johnson's offensive scheme will work once Caleb Williams becomes a more consistent passer. The 49ers will edge out the Eagles for the final wild card spot because Philadelphia's new offensive system has too many moving parts. The Packers will not make the playoffs due to roster turnover and key injuries.
AFC wild card playoff predictions40:42
- John Middlekauffopinion
The Chargers are a lock playoff team that could even win the AFC West if their tackles return. The Chiefs will make the playoffs as a bounce-back year because Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes historically overcome outliers. The Steelers will win the final wild card spot over the Ravens and Patriots due to Mike McCarthy's coaching resume and Aaron Rodgers's experience.
NFL major award predictions42:44
- John Middlekauffspeculation
Jared Goff will win MVP if he throws around 42 touchdowns and the Lions win, as their offense requires high scoring. Brian Schottenheimer will win Coach of the Year if he leads the Cowboys to an NFC East title, overcoming massive scrutiny.
- John Middlekauffopinion
Will Anderson will win Defensive Player of the Year because he is a dominant, no-drama player on the league's best defense. Caleb Downs will win Defensive Rookie of the Year as part of the Cowboys' defensive turnaround.
- John Middlekauffspeculation
Jaden Price will win Offensive Rookie of the Year by rushing for 1,000 yards and scoring 7-8 touchdowns in Seattle's offense.
Every episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, briefed the morning after, with up to nine more shows in one daily email.
Free for 30 days. No card needed. $4.99 a month after.
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Automated summaries of what was said on each show — not claims by DailyDossier and not independently verified.